Page 142 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

We all stood, with half-eaten plates left on the tables, and filed out to the grounds, taking our positions.

Major Ledor stood at the podium, but before he could speak, Theron stepped forward with a sharp gesture, silently commanding the major to step aside. Ledor’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he obeyed, moving away from the podium without a word.

“What’s going on?” Riven whispered, her voice low.

“No idea,” Jax muttered.

“But it’s about to get more interesting,” Naia added, flicking her head toward the royal banners where Prince Dorian stood. The heir apparent looked like he hadn’t slept in days—dark circles shadowed his eyes, and stubble on his chin.

“This delay is ludicrous,” Dorian said to his brother. His voice cut through the murmurs. “We need reinforcements sent to the outer regions immediately. Reports from the south indicate multiple villages have been targeted. We cannot afford to ignore this.”

“There is no proof these attacks are coordinated,” Theron countered smoothly, stepping closer to his brother. “And no sign that Warriath is in any danger. Reinforcements should remain here—defending the capital, as they were intended.”

“Intended?” Dorian scoffed, his voice rising. “Our soldiers aren’t meant to sit idle behind castle walls while entire villages are destroyed!”

Theron’s smile was sharp, more of a sneer than anything else. “And what would you have us do, brother? Divide our forces? Send riders into territories that have survived just fine for generations?”

“They’ve survived because the outer regions have always relied on us,” Dorian shot back. “You know that! And now they’re calling for help—we can’t ignore them.”

“Warriath hasn’t been attacked in six hundred years,” Theron growled. “Do you know why? Because our forces are strong enough here to deter it. You want to weaken our defenses on the chance that some scattered raids might escalate?”

“They’re more than just scattered raids,” Dorian snapped, stepping closer to his brother. “Entire families have been wiped out. We’ve lost trade routes, supply chains—they’re isolating us, and you know it!”

Theron’s eyes glinted dangerously. “I know that sending our troops away weakens us here. I know that our strength lies in defending this city—the heart of the kingdom.”

“You’re a fool if you think the kingdom ends at these walls,” Dorian shot back, voice like steel.

The compound buzzed with tension, soldiers shifting uncomfortably, some whispering behind their hands. The lines were being drawn—those loyal to Dorian’s call for reinforcements, and those who believed Theron’s stance on safeguarding Warriath was the wiser choice.

“I’ll speak to Father,” Dorian said, voice quieter now, but no less fierce. “I won’t stand by and let our people die while we sit behind thick walls, pretending we’re invincible.”

Theron’s smile was cruel. “You do that,” he said coldly. “But don’t be surprised when the king tells you the same thing I just did.”

Dorian’s gaze flicked briefly to Zander—a silent question.

Zander’s glare hardened as Theron’s smug voice rang out. “I think Dorian is correct,” Zander said firmly. “We need to solidify the continent, not just Warriath.”

Theron’s lip twitched, his gaze shifting to his younger brother. “Why am I not surprised?” His voice dripped with condescension.

Zander didn’t back down. “Dorian’s military strategy is?—”

Theron’s eyes flicked past Zander, landing on me. His smile sharpened like a blade. “What would you know about military strategy, Zander? From what I hear, you’re too busy trying to get into Ashe Rebec’s pants.” His voice turned mocking, cold. “Why else would you order your dragon to take her to the isle? Although,” he added with a sneer, “I am impressed he agreed.”

My stomach knotted, heat flaring behind my eyes as whispers broke out across the gathered soldiers. Zander’s hands clenched at his sides, fingers curling into fists.

“Careful, Theron,” Zander warned, his voice dangerously low.

“Why?” Theron’s smirk widened. “Does the truth sting? Tell me, did you promise her protection? Maybe a royal title for her troubles?”

“You’re crossing a line,” Zander ground out through his teeth.

Theron’s gaze flicked back to me, and his smile turned cruel. “I wonder how many of her Order associates have warmed your bed. Or does Prince Zander just enjoy Remand’s cast-offs?”

“You are a spineless prick, Theron,” Dorian hissed.

Zander didn’t respond. Instead, his expression hardened, and he folded his arms tightly across his chest. Neutral. Guarded.

Theron smirked, pleased with the tension he’d left in his wake. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode away, flanked by his personal guards.